Christmas on the Danube River Cruise - MS Riviera Reflection

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Arrival in Budapest - On arrival the dedicated crew are there to welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel. Your eyes will be wide with wonder as you take in the fabulous décor, with garlands adorning the staircases, lights as far as the eye can see and of course the majestic Christmas tree taking centre stage. There’s always a sense of expectancy and excitement on the eve of a cruise, especially at Christmas time and, after an excellent dinner in the stylish restaurant, conversation is sure to revolve around the seasonal delights ahead.

Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and is located along the Danube a river on the borders of Austria and Hungary. The city is surrounded by the Little Carpathians Mountains and vineyards as well as its iconic reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooking Old Town. The castle offers a picturesque view of the city, the neighbouring countries and is home to the Museum of History. Bratislava offers a blend of historic and modern attractions including the Old Town Hall, now home to the Bratislava City Museum, the UFO Bridge, Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate and Blue Church St Elizabeth’s. Bratislava is home to one of the oldest city parks in Central Europe and is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists as is the city forest park and foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The city is popular for its locally brewed beers and has many micro-breweries and underground beer cellars. The local cuisine of Bratislava is an eclectic influence of European cultures including Slovak, Hungarian, Austrian and German and serves as a reminder of the history of this cosmopolitan city. However, visitors will find an array of offerings to suit all tastes with lunch being the main meal of the day and roast goose with lokse considered a signature dish of the area.

Bratislava on Christmas Eve - This morning belongs to the river. Settle in with breakfast, find your favourite spot on board and watch the scenery drift by. Vine-covered hillsides, riverside villages and church spires appear and disappear around each bend, making the journey every bit as enjoyable as the destination. After lunch, we arrive in Slovakia's compact and characterful capital. Bratislava rarely shouts for attention. Instead, it wins people over with elegant squares, centuries of history and a laid-back atmosphere that's refreshingly different from Europe's larger capitals. Our tour leads us up to Bratislava Castle, which has watched over the Danube for centuries. From its hilltop position, you'll enjoy sweeping views across the city and the river beyond before continuing to Michael's Gate, the last remaining entrance to the medieval city and one of Bratislava's most recognisable landmarks. With a local guide leading the way, we'll wander through the Old Town's cobbled streets and hidden corners, where Baroque palaces sit alongside colourful townhouses and lively cafés. Once the guided tour concludes, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. Stroll along the riverside promenade, where locals gather at waterside cafés and bars, or cross the Danube to the UFO Observation Deck for a completely different perspective on the city. Often named one of Europe's top hidden gems of winter travel, Bratislava’s main square boasts a towering Christmas tree and some 70 wooden stalls selling handmade crafts and local foods. We'll return to the ship this evening, with plenty of stories – and perhaps a favourite Slovak wine – to bring back with us. 

Melk is an Austrian town situated on the River Danube. Located west of Vienna, the town is mostly famous for its 11th Century Melk Abbey, a magnificent monastery built high above the town. Melk Abbey is the largest example of Baroque architecture in the Wachau Valley, with the valley itself awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2000. Its steep terraced vineyards mean vinters cultivate with traditional manual practices and the springtime sees this unique landscape covered in apricot tree blossoms. Strolling around the streets of Melk Old Town, visitors will find the Town Hall Square, the Main Square, the old Post Office, now a local museum, Old Abbey Tavern, and Kremser Strasse. River cruises, self-guided walking tours and cycle tours are also extremely popular around Melk, as the Wachau Valley offers unique landscape to be explored and enjoyed. Art festivals and Baroque music is celebrated each year with the Melk Baroque Days, an international festival.

Dürnstein & Melk on Christmas Day - This morning, we arrive in Dürnstein, one of the Wachau Valley's most picturesque riverside towns. Nestled between the Danube and terraced vineyards, it's best known for its striking blue abbey tower and the castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive.  After breakfast, we'll travel by coach to nearby Melk to visit one of Austria's most impressive landmarks. Standing high above the river, Melk Abbey has been watching over the Danube for more than 900 years. Originally founded as a Benedictine monastery, its honey-coloured Baroque exterior gives way to lavish state rooms, a remarkable library and the magnificent Imperial Gallery, where centuries of history are brought vividly to life. After returning to the ship for lunch, you’ll have some time to spend at leisure in Dürnstein. Wander the town's narrow lanes, browse its independent shops, pause at a pavement café or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this charming Wachau town at your own pace. Later this afternoon, we cast off and begin one of the most scenic stretches of cruising on the Danube. As we glide through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, vineyards climb the hillsides above ancient villages and church spires punctuate the landscape. Keep an eye out for Melk Abbey, whose commanding position above the river offers a very different perspective from the water.   Later, gather for a delightful onboard demonstration of traditional stollen-making. With the scent of festive spices filling the air and the ship adorned in seasonal decorations, it’s a cosy and engaging way to embrace the spirit of Christmas on the Danube.  You’re in for a truly magical evening tonight. As the ship glides along the wintry waters of the Danube, you’ll gather with your fellow travellers in the beautifully decorated onboard restaurant for a special Christmas Gala Dinner. Expect a festive atmosphere filled with seasonal cheer, exquisite cuisine prepared by our talented chefs, and the joy of celebrating this most wonderful time of year in unforgettable surroundings.  

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.

Vienna - During the early hours, our ship has stealthily crept into port, and you awake to find yourself in twinkling Vienna. For 200 years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe and many of the showpiece buildings, galleries, aristocratic palaces and magnificent churches you see today were built to reflect its imperial status. The city’s most iconic monument is the breathtaking Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, whose striking multi-coloured roof and huge Gothic South Tower dominate the skyline. After breakfast, enjoy a guided panoramic tour by coach along the Ringstrasse, the famous boulevard, built where the city walls once stood and lined with many of the most important sights. You can choose to continue your tour on foot through the old town, seeing the main sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral and the impressive Hofburg complex, former royal court, now home to a collection of museums, the Vienna Boys’ Choir and the world-famous Spanish Riding School. Or explore independently and maybe retreat to the refined yet cosy elegance of a traditional Viennese café for an indulgent Sachertorte. After lunch on board we visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, this former royal residence now houses a range of world-class museums and galleries. The palace also hosts a superb Christmas market, specialising in traditional handicrafts and nostalgic toys. This evening we’ve arranged truly the ‘icing on the cake’: no visit to Vienna is complete without a live musical experience, so after tonight's Chef's dinner, featuring some of their signature dishes, we’ll enjoy a Christmas classical recital in the comfort of our luxury ship, presenting well-known festive melodies - a wonderful finale to the day.

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Budapest - Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise majestically through Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape, draped in a blanket of glistening frost. After breakfast, seek out a good vantage spot in the lounge, sink into a comfy chair and watch this lovely slideshow of winter wonderland scenery effortlessly gliding by – what could be more relaxing! For the more energetic, perhaps a visit to the ship’s fitness centre to work off some of those delicious meals or head up to the sun deck to enjoy the bracing river breeze with a steaming mug of Glühwein in hand as the Captain skilfully navigates our return course to the Hungarian capital. Our final lunch is served during which Budapest’s majestic skyline comes into view. This afternoon, you're free to explore at your own pace and soak up Budapest's festive atmosphere. Browse the Christmas markets around St Stephen's Basilica and Vörösmarty Square, where wooden chalets brim with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and local delicacies. As the aroma of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts and warming goulash fills the air as you wander beneath the twinkling lights that transform the city each Christmas – and don’t forget the mulled wine to stave off the winter chill!   This evening, after your final splendid dinner, you’ll have time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on this very magical festive cruise. 

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

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